Flutist

Play the flute in a professional orchestra or group.

Quick Stats

Salary Range

Highly Variable

Data from U.S. Department of Labor

What do Flutists do?

The high notes of a flute can cut through the clutter of a musical performance and inject a note of sweetness and light. A Flutist often works in an orchestra, playing as a member of a large group of Musicians. But as a Flutist, you may also work as a rock or jazz player. The flute can fit into a wide variety of musical settings, depending on your skills as a Flutist.

Practicing your flute playing takes up many hours of your day. Sometimes, you practice holding the same note for a long period of time so you can work on controlling your breathing. Other times, you play a series of rapid notes so you can work on moving your fingers with speed and precision.

If you play with a band or an orchestra, you also practice with the other Musicians. While you’re playing in these group settings, you focus on staying in tune and in harmony with the rest of the players. Sometimes, you’re allowed to play in a free manner, and you make up the melody as you go. Often, though, you read music and restrict yourself to playing the notes on the page.

During performances, you’re rarely nervous, as you’ve played the music many times before. Before the performance, you dress up and polish your flute.

After each practice or performance, you clean your flute carefully so the moisture in your breath won’t corrode the instrument. Periodically, you check the keys on the flute and the pads on the keys. Loose pads can cause wrong notes, so you take your flute in for repairs at the first sign of laxity.

Should I be a Flutist?

You should have
an
associate's
degree or higher and share these traits:

Social:
You're happiest working on teams or with other people.

Reliable:
You can always be counted on to do a good job.

High Achiever:
You love the challenge of tackling difficult work.

Also known as:
Flute Player

How to become a Flutist

We recommend at least
an
Associate's
degree.
Check out these schools offering
Flutist-related education!